Addiction to prescription drugs has been a developing problem for the last couple of years, and one of the most common types is Vicodin addiction. On this page, you will be able to learn more details about it, the causes behind it, and the Vicodin addiction treatment methods that give the best results.
What is Vicodin, and why is it addictive?
Vicodin is one of the most widely used medications for pain relief. Unfortunately, like with most other substances that have a strong effect on the nervous system, Vicodin can also be the cause of many problems, with addiction being the primary one.
Prolonged abuse of this substance can lead to euphoria and feelings of pleasure in the beginning, thus directly connecting itself to the brain’s reward system. Once that happens, any secession of intake is followed by strong cravings and negative symptoms known as the withdrawal syndrome.
What are the symptoms and signs of Vicodin addiction?
Despite the fact that this prescription medication has its uses, there are situations when it can be addictive. This usually happens when the drug is not used according to the instructions or is intentionally abused in order to experience its hallucinogenic effects. Vicodin side effects can include changes in one’s behavior, but also signs of physical and mental dependence on the drug.
Behavioral signs
For individuals trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction, taking a new dose of the medication can be the only way to stop the negative thoughts and physical symptoms. Without access to Vicodin, they become irritable, frequently look scared or in a hurry, and can find it difficult to control their emotions. They might even occasionally lash out at their loved ones and become aggressive. However, this is just one of the consequences of addiction, and when these individuals receive the help they need, all of these negative signs can be eliminated.
Symptoms of Vicodin use
There are several different medical uses of Vicodin, but it revolves around pain relief or helping people deal with sleep disturbances. On the other hand, when abuse happens, a plethora of negative symptoms such as cognitive issues, issues with the digestive tract and many other health consequences can occur. We will take a closer look at these symptoms in this text.
What are the side effects of Vicodin addiction?
Just one negative symptom of Vicodin addiction should be a good reason for alarm due to the fact that addiction is a progressive condition, where continual use of the drug only deepens the problems. Despite that, many people continue going down this negative spiral, eventually reaching the point of no return, when an urgent medical intervention, such as an immediate Vicodin addiction treatment is required.
In the short term, Vicodin side effects are detrimental to one’s wellbeing, while the longer intake may even lead to Vicodin overdose, which can result in coma and death. Let us now discuss more about the specifics of these two conditions.
Short-term effects of Vicodin addiction
When the following signs of Vicodin addiction begin to show, a person should seek medical help:
- Excessive drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Impaired coordination
- Confusion
- Excessive mood swings
- Sudden cravings for Vicodin
Symptoms of Vicodin overdose
As we already mentioned in the text above, the worst possible outcome of addiction is known as overdose. It includes taking excessive quantities of the drug causing severe medical issues to the individual. This can include:
- Respiratory failure
- Unconsciousness
- Delirium
- Blue lips and fingernails
- Coma and death
To avoid this life-threatening condition, it is best to talk to the doctor and start a Vicodin addiction treatment as soon as possible.
Long-term effects of Vicodin addiction
If Vicodin abuse continues despite the negative symptoms previously experienced, these are the consequences to physical and mental health that can occur:
- Damage to the liver
- Hormonal changes
- Memory lapses
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Increased risk of overdosing
While many people struggling with addiction believe that Vicodin overdose is not something that can happen to them, only one miscalculation can lead to a fatal outcome. If you are suffering from these problems, do not risk and seek help today.
How and why does Vicodin addiction start?
For people who regularly take Vicodin symptoms of dependency can develop over time, with the side effects growing in strength after each use. On the other hand, those who abuse this drug might notice a sudden increase in the urge for it, with the worst cases resulting in Vicodin overdose symptoms, such as a loss of consciousness and inability to breathe properly.
Two active ingredients of Vicodin, hydrocodone and acetaminophen can be the cause of many problems for the person taking this drug. Because these substances bind to the opioid receptors in the brain, this can impact the reward system, which is an evolutionary mechanism beyond the voluntary control of an individual. For that very reason, addicts keep coming back to the substance, despite all the negative consequences it has on their lives.
What is the treatment for Vicodin abuse?
Vicodin addiction treatment usually includes the following steps:
- Getting medical diagnosis
- Detoxification
- Pharmacological treatment
- Psychotherapy for Vicodin abuse
- Formation of healthy habits
- Maintaining Vicodin abstinence
The removal of Vicodin side effects is only one part of the battle, but getting rid of the urge to revert back to drug abuse is much more difficult. In order to achieve that, a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy needs to take place. To avoid the Vicodin symptoms of withdrawals, careful doses of medication and the use of medical devices are applied.
Due to that reason, patients begin to feel better even during the first days of treatment, and each new day is a step in the right direction where the creation of healthy habits is achieved through the extensive use of psychotherapy.
Ultimately, when the patient stops feeling the urge for the drug and the signs of Vicodin abuse symptoms are eliminated, the mechanisms that prevent relapse and new habit formation take place. Even after leaving the clinic, patients remain in contact with our doctors, receiving the necessary care to continue living the drug-free life they aspire to.
How to start treatment of Vicodin addiction?
For many, the toughest decision usually comes down to deciding when to start the rehab for Vicodin addiction and how to do it. Most people usually wait until the Vicodin addiction effects become too difficult to bear before reaching out for help. However, this is dangerous as the increased intake of the drug can lead to Vicodin overdose, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Instead, it is best to react as soon as the first symptom of Vicodin addiction appears, and you can find the most common ones in the text above. Speaking to experts for Vicodin addiction treatment is an excellent first step, as the path to recovery will be a lot easier once you know what needs to be done.
Cost of Vicodin addiction treatment
Our main goal during treatment is to eliminate all signs of Vicodin addiction, and we always try to extend the duration of recuperation until that is achieved. Due to that reason, our Vicodin addiction treatment can last for up to one month inside the rehabilitation center, and our medical consultants will be happy to present you with additional details regarding our Vicodin addiction treatment costs and all other necessary information.
Doctors
With the help of doctors and other members of our medical team the worst Vicodin side effects are eliminated during the first days of treatment. This is especially important in the case of Vicodin overdose when getting urgent medical assistance can be the difference between life and death. If you know someone who is struggling with Vicodin abuse, don’t be afraid to contact our doctors who will do their best to guide you toward a healthy life.
Patents and certificates
Dr Vorobjev Clinic possesses the rights to several patents for the treatment of addiction to Vicodin. Besides that, our programs are adapted to the needs of every individual, which is considered the most efficient method of treatment, guaranteeing the best possible results and the highest success rates in the long run.
